BLT Opening Week

[frazzledrazz]

I was just wondering how many other DIS-ers will be staying during the opening week at BLT??? We won't be there for opening day, but we are checking in 8/8 and staying until 8/15 in a 1-bedroom Bay Lake view. We are not DVC members, but anxious to see if we will be able to use the beautiful lounge on the top floor (although I believe we will be in the parks each night to watch fireworks anyways). I think it would be cool if we got a room that was never before used, but since there are a few days before the official opening and our arrival, I doubt we will! Do you guys think it will be sold out for opening? What ammenities are you most looking forward to?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

If what I read on other Disney websites is true, then you won't have access to the Top Of The World lounge because your not Disney Vacation Club members. Also I read around last month and parts of this month they did a soft opening of some of the rooms with Cast Members and their families staying in them, so they might have already stayed in the room you will be in.

 

[frazzledrazz]

If what I read on other Disney websites is true, then you won't have access to the Top Of The World lounge because your not Disney Vacation Club members.

Yep I have heard this as well but you never know how strict they are going to be on this policy. For all I know, they will probably enforce it for the first week and the time that I am there but I'd wager a bet that there will be more people out in the parks watching fireworks than back in the hotel. Plus, there are a ton of people who have MK view rooms who can view the fireworks from their own balcony with the music streaming in from the TV's. I don't think it will be as crowded as some think. Either way, if by chance we are at the hotel and want to see Wishes, I was told we can always go to the observation deck at the Contemporary

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Either way, if by chance we are at the hotel and want to see Wishes, I was told we can always go to the observation deck at the Contemporary

That's an excellent point because the 4th floor observation deck is always a great option. However just remember anyone can watch Wishes from there, so they don't need to be staying at the Contemporary and if you want a great spot it's best to be there 30 minutes before.

 

[fla4fun]

To answer the OP's original question, I'll be there opening day - one bedroom Bay Lake View 8/4-14. I should be able to do online check in tomorrow! As far as what I'm looking forward to (other than a little rest and relaxation) I'm looking forward to just being in a brand new resort and enjoying all the CR amenities I've enjoyed so much over the years. The old North Garden Wing was always our preferred location - so it will be kind of like going home.

 

[ddleffers]

I will also be there from the 8-15th in a 2BR villa. My kids don't even know we are going yet and I am hoping that they will get to see their first ever fireworks on this trip (I am holding on to the belief that Disney will stand by their word and let us up into the Lounge)! I am pretty excited as we have never been to Disney before.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

As everyone has said, we really won't know for sure until it actually opens but the latest reports say:

Due to anticipated high demand for this location, access to the lounge and deck is available only to Disney Vacation Club Members who are staying at Bay Lake Tower using their Membership, guests staying in the room with that Member, and guests who are staying in a room reserved by a DVC Member with Vacation Points. Availability is strictly first-come, first-served. ​

The full article can be found here http://dvcnews.com/content/view/983/1/

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Also I read around last month and parts of this month they did a soft opening of some of the rooms with Cast Members and their families staying in them, so they might have already stayed in the room you will be in.

1) We have stayed in SSR, AKV, and BLT prior to the official/public opening.
2) It is a one-night stay for the family, up to the room capacity limits.
3) We have always gotten a 2-bedroom unit.
4) CM's are selected and we "sample" the rooms and hotel services.
5) We also have to compete a survey card so WDW can see weak areas.
6) Maybe we already stayed in your room ???

 

[TheLadyTremain]

We are going for 8 nights in Sept. I am very excited. For me, walking to the Magic Kingdom is what I am the most excited about. We have two small girls so I have this vision of holding hands with my 3 yo Disney fan and walking into MK!

I have gotten such conflicting information about the lounge. My husband and I have called reservations quite a few times and have been assured each time we are able to use it. We are staying on a cash reservation. I would have no issue if we weren't able to use the lounge. DVC members pay a lot of money so if that is a perk for just them, more power to them. But for the fact that Disney really pushed this a perk to booking and staying at BLT on a cash reservation, makes me quite angry if it is not available. False advertising!!!!

 

[ddleffers]

Lady Tremain, I am also on a cash reservation and have spoken to them on several occasions and have been repeatedly told that it will be available to us. I am with you, it would not have been a big deal to me if they had not advertised it so much and if I had not made some of my plans based on it.

 

[Miss Monorail 1971]

I am going to just say I hope you all enjoy your stay at BLT. We decided to go in October about 2 months ago so we missed out on renting points for BLT but I will say we drool over all the new photos. I can't wait to hear all the hairy details about BLT.

Have fun everyone!

 

[LuvAriel]

We will be there 8/8-8/15 in a 1bdr. lake view

We are sooooo excited!!!!!

 

[frazzledrazz]

I don't know if this was posted already but I thought you guys would like this. Someone posted on youtube a sneak peak viewing of the MK fireworks from the 16th floor lounge of BLT. Looks awesome to me!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvQVC-308FA

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

COOL! Thank you! It was nice seeing what the lounge looks like.

I don't know if this was posted already but I thought you guys would like this. Someone posted on youtube a sneak peak viewing of the MK fireworks from the 16th floor lounge of BLT. Looks awesome to me!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvQVC-308FA

 

[spiceycat]

if looks like the gate keeper will be in the lobby at BLT - so go ask when you get there.

if she is thinking there will be tons of DVC then probably no. If she thinks that only a few will be there - then my guess (this is guessing only) she will allow you up.

on the nights where no fireworks are on the schedule - because the MNSSHP is happening - some people don't realize there are fireworks - but doing the show.

so those might be a good time to try it.

also it has been reported that the bridge between CR and BLT will be used for overflow and would think paying guests who can't use the lounge could definitely go here.

you can see the fireworks from just being outside - it is the music that makes it extra special.

oh dvc member who will be getting a standard not MK view for most of my stays - so hoping the lounge and deck are open to anyone who wants to go.